Bud Talbot
wat
dyedbird@bud_t so many brands, types to choose from depending on budget and what you will use it for most of the time and durability.Will you be making drinks just for yourself or multiple drinks at a time? Will you be making drinks with milk? Are you OK with your machine needing small fixes once in a few years or not? Are you looking to grind your own beans and dial your shots OR would you rather press a button and have your drink ready for you?
If you had asked this question in a coffee forum space you'd have been bombarded by suggestions BTW 😁
@dyedbird Perhaps there is a reason I did not ask the question in a coffee forum 😂 I also pruposefully did not ask an AI lol
We grind our own beans daily, and sometimes I roast my own, though usually we buy locally roasted beans. Currently use a drip (Technivorm) and an AeroPress when away from home. On a daily basis, we start with multiple drnks (wife and I). We currently do not froth milk, but would like to. I am fine with repairing as neded, and bonus if I can do it myself.
Hopefully that context helps.
shom@bud_t I have Rancillio Silvia with an aftermarket temperature control (PID) and it would totally fit the bill (as would a Gaggia classic but not the new ones, they're crap), I got mine used and would highly recommend that. It is a fantastic machine, a tank but easy to maintain yourself. It is an "entry" machine for those who fall way down the rabbit hole so you might be able to pick it up used. I regularly make two drinks in a row and it's fine, 4 in a row gets to be in falling temp territory. Happy to answer any questions.
@dyedbird
@dyedbird
T. J. Bombadil@bud_t Hah, I’m thinking the same thing. I’d be curious to know what you find out.
@c_dan4th sounds like you and your partner may be similarly caffeine dependant?
I'm searching but it is a bit overwhelming. One article from Food & Wine seemed to have a bit of nice info
https://www.foodandwine.com/lifestyle/kitchen/best-espresso-machine
Also lmk if you find anything...
Getzler Lab at KenyonCollege@bud_t adding myself to this to hopefully also gain from the wisdom of the crowd. Sounds like we have a similar practice, differing in that I generally make large-batch cold brew during the warms days and use a bialetti Moka Pot during the cold days
@GetzlerChem I like the Bialetti too! We used to use it exclusively when camping until switching to the AeroPress
Devin@bud_t
We recently got a De'Longhi Magnifica Evo that I'm enjoying quite a bit. There are some decent discounts on them right now.
We recently got a De'Longhi Magnifica Evo that I'm enjoying quite a bit. There are some decent discounts on them right now.
@N9DRB that one looks interesting. Thanks for sharing. I'll read up on it
VioletBackpack@bud_t I started with the Gaggia Classic, and it’s definitely a fine machine, but single boiler really isn’t a lot of fun to do multiple drinks with milk. I ended up graduating to a Lelit Bianca and I love it. It’s expensive compared to the Gaggia, but it’s been worth every penny to have a dual boiler.
@VioletBackpack thanks. Yes it sounds like dual boiler is the way to go if you can do it
Melissa@bud_t
I'm a big fan of these people, but for me...good burr grinder off shopgoodwill, old stove top Italian espresso pot, daily Melitta filter holder for pour-over...and where's my mini-frother..
https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-machines-5185482
I'm a big fan of these people, but for me...good burr grinder off shopgoodwill, old stove top Italian espresso pot, daily Melitta filter holder for pour-over...and where's my mini-frother..
https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-machines-5185482
@mtechman we've got a good burr grinder that I use daily and a good drip maker (Technivorn) for everyday use. And an AeroPress. This would be something special.
Luke Dorny 
LionelB